Aged care crisis - a call for kindness and justice

For those healthy enough to undertake them there should be regular outings, including visits to shops, churches or gardens.

For those who wish it, pastoral care should be provided. And social interaction between residents should be facilitated where possible.

There should also be provision of therapy services where required to maintain as much mobility as possible.

Heating and air conditioning for all nursing homes and hostels are essential. Given the kind of heat waves seen in Australia in late January 2009, this should be mandatory. Appallingly, no such common standards exist yet.

Finally - in an important aside - the role of carers needs be recognised and provided for. On average - with instances both of high and low intensity aged care - there is a government contribution of approximately $40,000 a year. Generous and just support for carers, here, could delay significantly formal admission into high or low intensity care.  It is rational - and it is right - that carers' pensions be dramatically increased. And the love of family can be such that even the most caring nursing professionals cannot provide.

Conclusion

In this paper I have attempted a comprehensive review of the aged care crisis - and have suggested a variety of options for reform.

Some might baulk at the assumed cost of the programs suggested. But in light of the suffering of our most vulnerable, I appeal to the common humanity of our legislators. They, too, will grow old one day. For all our sakes, such reforms would be very well justified indeed.